The epic carpet fail at Jeff Bezos’s recent wedding highlights the intricate art of buying a carpet that many may overlook.
The wedding between Bezos, currently the world’s second-richest individual, and Lauren Sanchez took place on San Giorgio Maggiore island in front of around 200 VIP guests. Following the ceremony, the 55-year-old bride shared a photo on social media of the couple walking back down the aisle, both with big smiles as onlookers applauded.
Social media users were left baffled at the ‘industrial’ grey carpet in a snap shared by newlywed Lauren on Instagram
While much of the attention focused on Lauren’s wedding dress, others were left baffled after spotting the carpet, which was dubbed ‘industrial’.
Several observers couldn’t help but comment on the choice of carpet, with one stating, ‘Everybody’s talking about the outfits but can we discuss the millennial grey hellscape carpet please? With a budget of $50 million, they went with a look resembling an extravagant Mother’s Day display at your local HR Block?’
Another said: ‘I need to know why Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez chose to get married on a grey office carpet’
As an interiors editor, I’m not surprised that the carpet drew so much attention – it’s one aspect of decor that can truly make or break a room. With that in mind, here’s how to nail the perfect carpet – and avoid the common mistakes that could cost you time, comfort and money, not to mention style points. We are looking at you, Jeff.
The finish is EVERYTHING
No one wants a carpet that looks (and feels) like it’s been on Ozempic. A thin, shiny carpet with poor stitching screams TK Maxx sale. Instead, a mid-range synthetic blend like polypropylene works brilliantly. It mimics the texture of wool without the hefty price tag. Plus, polypropylene is stain-resistant and washable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or muddy paws. To clean it, a few drops of mild soap and a scrubbing brush are your best bet.
We love the options at tapi.co.uk
tapi.co.uk
Select an underlay
Often overlooked in the carpet-buying process, an underlay can make all the difference. It improves insulation, reduces noise and helps prolong the life of your carpet. It’s also especially useful for ‘luxing up’ budget carpets, adding an extra layer underfoot that makes the whole carpet feel more luxurious.
British-flooring.co.uk offers a wide selection of options.
Never (ever) buy a carpet without seeing it first
That taupe chenille number might look perfect on your phone screen, but texture and lighting matter. What looks cool and clean under showroom lights can appear blue or dingy once in your home. Remember to order samples before you buy. Lay them down on the floor and see how they look in different lights throughout the day. Try walking on them in bare feet, too. Your future self will thank you.
dandscarpets.co.uk
Consider the colour (preferably not grey)
Buy a carpet for the room you have, not the one you wish you had. If space is at a premium, lighter shades can make a room feel bigger and airier, while darker tones work better in larger spaces and are far more forgiving of red wine disasters and muddy footprints. If in doubt, designer-approved shades include oatmeal and stone, which pair well with almost anything, or navy blue for a luxe, cocooning effect – perfect for bedrooms.
luluandgeorgia.com
Avoid beige at all costs
It’s a magnet for dirt and dust and looks very ‘quick-fix’ new build. Bold shades like orange or green also tend to date quickly. If you want to introduce colour or pattern, simply layer a patterned rug over the top. It’s far easier to swap out if you change your mind.
nordicnew.nl
Don’t pile it up
Many people assume that a long-pile carpet (the taller fabric loops that make up the carpet surface) looks more plush than a dense short-pile version. But while long-pile carpets may look luxurious at first, they tend to flatten quickly, and can give off dated 1970s bachelor pad vibes. A short-pile carpet, with its tighter, flatter loops, offers a smarter and more tailored appearance that’s also more durable over time. Win.
Fake designer vibes
Not all budgets stretch to a Soane carpet, but you can still channel the vibes if you know where to shop. Sites like designer-carpet.co.uk sell brand-new surplus stock from bougie brands such as Brintons and Alternative Flooring at purse-friendly prices – sometimes up to 90 per cent off the original retail price. We also love crucial-trading.com and Devon-based cormarcarpets.co.uk for their selection of high-quality carpets at a range of price points.
